Potatoes are often thrown into a dark cupboard like many other vegetables, such as onions.
While the kitchen cupboard is not an inherently bad place to keep earthy spuds, those seeking longevity from fresh produce should consider other food storage hacks.
Most potatoes will last for a week or two when stored this way, as long as they’re not bruised in the process.
However, Kate Hall, food expert and founder of The Full Freezer, revealed that contrary to popular belief, the fridge is actually the best place for them.
She explained that at the start of 2023, the UK Food Standards Agency changed its advice about storing potatoes.
Often referred to as the FSA, the Food Standards Agency works on protecting people’s health, and reducing the economic burden of foodborne disease in the UK.
Previously, their advice warned against keeping all kinds of raw potatoes in the fridge due to severe health concerns in cases of refrigerated spuds being cooked.
Guidance on food storage for everything from Maris Piper’s to Yukon Gold’s was to keep them in a dark, cool place at temperatures above 6C.
Kate explained: “There were concerns that this could lead to extra sugars in the potatoes, which then turn to acrylamide when cooked – a substance that has been linked with the risk of developing cancer.”
However, recent research shows that it is safe to store potatoes in the fridge and that doing so even increases their shelf life.
The food expert added: “A study by the Committee on the Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) proved that these concerns were unfounded, and so the fridge is the best place to keep your spuds.”
There is, however, one rule that must always be followed when it comes to storing potatoes on a cold shelf.
This involves drying the spuds out completely to remove all traces of moisture. Food safety expert Sylvia Anderson claimed that moisture can cause potatoes to rot, which will do nothing for their shelf life.
To prepare spuds for the fridge, first wipe off any dirt with a dry cloth, but resist washing them until you’re ready to use them.
Pop them into a container lined with paper towels, where they should stay fresh for up to four weeks with no sprouting or green spots in sight.
Sylvia said: “Potatoes release ethylene gas, which can cause other fruits and vegetables to ripen and spoil faster. Keep potatoes separate from onions, apples, and some other ethylene-sensitive produce to prolong their shelf life.”
